Eight Pieces of Brocade · 17 articles
Baduanjin articles
Find a beginner lesson, a breathing question, a movement breakdown or a research explanation. Use categories or search to go straight to the part you need.
17 articles
Getting started
2 articles
Baduanjin Basics: Movement, Breathing and Attention
What does relaxed movement mean in Baduanjin? Understand support, transitions and natural breathing without chasing sensations or judging progress by depth.
Baduanjin for Beginners: Learn One Movement at a Time
Can you learn Baduanjin from a video? Choose one version, start with the opening and first movement, and learn how to pause, check directions and review.
Research and evidence
1 articles
Versions and movements
11 articles
Baduanjin Versions: How to Choose One and Stay With It
Why do Eight Brocades videos use different movements or timings? Compare the opening, sequence and repetitions, then learn from one consistent version.
The Eight Baduanjin Movements: Names and Full Sequence
Find the eight movements of Health Qigong Baduanjin in order, with English names and pinyin. Distinguish repetitions, transitions, the opening and closing.
Baduanjin First Movement: Opening, Lift and Return
Follow the Health Qigong Baduanjin opening and first movement. Check the step, palm turns, overhead lift and return, including how each repetition connects.
Baduanjin Drawing the Bow: Both Sides and the Return
Learn the second Baduanjin movement with clear hand shapes, palm directions and foot changes. Separate the ordinary side change from the final return.
Baduanjin Third Movement: One Hand Up, One Hand Down
Learn Raising One Hand in Health Qigong Baduanjin. Follow both palms, the return before switching sides, and the different final position at the hips.
Baduanjin Fourth Movement: Look Back and Return
Learn the arm rotation, left and right looks, and final return that connects Looking Back to the fifth movement. Keep the turn distinct from a whole-body twist.
Baduanjin Fifth Movement: Step, Sway and Change Sides
Follow the wide-stance entry, first sway, opposite side and final return. Check how weight, torso and pelvis move together before connecting to the sixth movement.
Baduanjin Sixth Movement: Hand Route, Fold and Rise
Trace the hands from the chest through the armpits, down the back and legs, then forward to lead the rise. Distinguish another repetition from the final press down.
Baduanjin Seventh Movement: Fists, Wrist Turn and Return
Learn the enclosed-thumb fist, slow extension, open-hand wrist turn and return at the waist. Follow both sides and the final step together before the heel movement.
Baduanjin Eighth Movement: Raise and Lower the Heels
Continue from feet together, control the heel rise and descent, and distinguish the demonstrated seven repetitions from a personal quota. Finish by connecting to the closing.
Baduanjin Closing: Arm Arc, Hands and Final Release
Connect the final heel descent to the closing arm arc, overlapping hands and release at the sides. See which parts are visible in the film and which the written corrections complete.
Practice and review
3 articles
Baduanjin Breathing: What Beginners Need to Know First
Do you need belly breathing before starting Baduanjin? Learn why natural breathing comes first, what to do when cues feel too slow, and what to ask next.
Baduanjin at Home: Space, Video Setup and Short Practice
Set up for Baduanjin at home: clear space for the whole movement, position your video, check left and right, and choose one small task to practise next.
Baduanjin Progress: From Remembering to Moving Smoothly
Know the eight movements but still lose the transitions? Review one connection at a time, check specific details, and track learning without chasing feelings.
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Baduanjin in First Chi
The First Chi app breaks the sequence into illustrated steps and provides spoken practice cues. The app is coming soon; explore the articles and movement guides here now.
